Wrongful death trial against Union Pacific gets under way with jury selection

Jury selection in a wrongful death case involving a Highland man killed by a train in Missouri got under way in Madison County on Monday.

Plaintiff Misty Webb is suing Union Pacific Railroad Company on three counts of wrongful death and negligence.

Guy Webb is also named as a defendant in the case but had already settled prior to trial.

Misty Webb claims that her father, James Webb Jr., was a passenger in a truck driven by Guy Webb when it was struck at a railroad crossing in Iron County, Mo. three years ago.

James Webb Jr. died from his injuries.

Misty Webb claims the railroad did not maintain its warning system, did not watch out for motorists and that its employees violated the company's own safety policies.

The case file does not indicate what relation Guy Webb is to Misty and James Webb Jr.

Guy Webb's April settlement does indicate what amount specifically he paid to the plaintiff.

The settlement was entered over Union Pacific's objection.

The suit was brought under the Missouri Wrongful Death statute.

James and Guy Webb were residents of Highland at the time of the incident.

Madison County Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian presides.

Union Pacific is represented by Thomas Jones and Harlan Harla.

The plaintiff is represented by John Simon.

Guy Webb was represented by Martin Morrissey.

The case is Madison case number 08-L-1139.